Bryce Young took on the role of quarterback for the first team and impressed during the spring game in Alabama on Saturday, winning the honors of the most valuable player after completing 25 of 44 passes for 333 meters, a touchdown and no interceptions.
Young, a former five-star prospect, was Mac Jones’ main backup as a freshman last season. He appeared in nine games, including late in Alabama’s victory over Ohio in the national championship game.
Coach Nick Saban said after the scrumbage that Young played well all spring.
“We continue to work so that he has a presence that affects other people in a positive way,” Saban said. “And I think he’s starting to get more and more respect from other players for the way he plays.
“But every mockery I had evolved very well and I thought it performed well today.”
Young was not the only underclassman to stand out during the spring game, which saw a number of veterans removed from injury, including wide receiver John Metchie, defensive end Malachi Moore and offensive lineman Emil Ekiyor.
Agiye Hall, an early freshman, is a four-star prospect and the No. 3 receiver in the 2021 class, according to ESPN – caught four passes for 72 meters.
“He’s someone we think has a lot of potential,” Saban said of Hall. “He makes a lot of contested catches. He’s big and he has explosive speed.”
Sophomore Jah-Marien Latham was named the most valuable lineman. The 6-foot-3, 285-pound defensive attack ended the scrimmage with a sack, two rushing defenders and four approaches.
Junior defensive defender DeMarcco Hellams led all players with 12 total attacks. He also split a pass and forced a gasp.
Saban said it was generally a “very productive spring” for the team.
“For the most part, I didn’t have any problems all spring, so I did a lot of practice,” he said. “I’m not happy with where we are – we have a lot of work to do as a team.”
Alabama is scheduled to open the season on September 4 against Miami in Atlanta.